CHOQUEQUIRAO, THE OTHER MACHUPICCHU

  

CHOQUEQUIRAO is another jewel of Inca architecture, hidden for centuries in an isolated area of ​​the Peruvian Andes. Reaching this citadel definitely requires time and great effort, as it currently lacks the infrastructure and access that Machu Picchu has. In fact, it requires good physical and mental preparation to be able to hike along difficult mountains located at more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Not to mention that at those heights, the temperature sometimes drops below zero degrees, and many people often suffer from what is known as SOROCHE, or altitude sickness.

  

Considered by local people as the sister of Machu Picchu, due to the similarity between the two pre-Columbian cities, which are strategically located at the limits where the Andes mountain range ends and the Amazon jungle begins. Like Machu Picchu, after being abandoned (the reasons are unknown), this incredible citadel was covered by the dense vegetation of the jungle that kept it hidden for centuries. 

 

Due to its remote location and difficult access, it doesn't attract many visitors, which can be a very attractive advantage for travelers who prefer quiet, uncrowded places. Upon arriving at Choquequirao, the reward is finding themselves in a spectacular location where they can explore all sections of this mysterious archaeological complex practically alone, listening only to the sounds of nature.

  

 Its name means "cradle of gold" this citadel is located in the district of Aguas Calientes, in the province of La Convención in the Cusco region and is located at 3,103 meters above sea level, from where there is an incredible view of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain, it is believed that Choquequirao was ordered to be built by the Inca Tupac Inca Yupanqui (son of the Inca Pachacutec) around the year 1,450 and it is estimated that so far only 30% of this enormous and mysterious archaeological complex that covers more than 522,000 hectares has been discovered.

  

The function of Choquequirao is still unknown. Some archaeologists believe it had a religious character and speculate that it served to connect ceremonial centers located in the Andes and the Amazon rainforest with Machu Picchu and vice versa. Others believe it may have been the last stronghold of Inca resistance to the arrival of the Spanish conquerors in the 15th century. It is known that the stone walls of Choquequirao were covered with mud inside and out, then painted light orange, and that it once had a population of over 2,000 inhabitants.

  

The visit to Choquequirao can be done with a travel agency or go alone using public transportation on your own, obviously the cheapest way is to do it by yourself, however the safest way is to do it through an organized tour whose price in this case can cost between 400 to 600 dollars depending on the number of tourists and if you want to go by yourself you will have to take into account the costs of round trip transportation, food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for 3 to 4 days, camping equipment and the cost of the entrance tickets of 20 dollars per person, in total the costs can be up to 100 dollars.

  

To visit Choquequirao you can take a bus from Cusco to Abancay 194 km (approximately 4 hours) the other option is to leave Cusco towards CURAHUASI 123 km (approximately 2.40 hours) and then continue to the town of CACHORA point from which we can start the trekking or wait for a car that takes us to the town of CAPULIYOC 11.4 km (35 minutes by car) from this point there is no other possibility of transportation and only walk to Choquequirao which is a distance of 21 kilometers starting from Capulniyoc.

  

In the town of Capulniyoc, you pay the entrance ticket to Choquequirao, which costs 60 soles (18 dollars). Then, you follow the trail to Rosalina Beach, where you can eat something and spend the night in your tent. The next day, you will continue the hike to the town of Santa Rosa and finally arrive at the Marampampa campsite, where you can rest. Depending on the time of day, you can continue to Choquequirao or stay overnight here and wait until the next day to visit this interesting citadel. At the end of your tour of this Inca city, you must return to Capulniyoc, where you will take a car to Cusco. Remember not to bring heavy items or food. It is preferable to bring water and snacks, since food and fruit are sold at good prices along the way.